John 11:1-44 | What's happening (and who's involved)?

This is the last of the miracle accounts recorded in John before the resurrection.

Jesus was approached by the sisters of Lazarus of Bethany, as Lazarus had become sick. Jesus, hearing the plea, tells them that this would not be unto death. Scripture specifically emphasizes here how Jesus loved Martha, her sister, and Lazarus. His decision was not out of coldness of heart. For in hearing that Lazarus was sick, he stayed another two days where he was at before suggesting they go to Judea again. Naturally the disciples seek to oppose the request as the Jews had just sought to stone him there. To return would be a death sentence.

Nevertheless, Jesus insists that they go, in walking in the light, to wake Lazarus. As the disciples tend to do, they misunderstand what Jesus is saying and forces Him to clarify. He announces that Lazarus is dead.

As the narrative continues, we learn that Lazarus has been dead and in the tomb for four days. We also learn that Bethany is not that far off from Jerusalem and many of the Jews were present with Martha and Mary to comfort them of their loss. Martha, hearing that Jesus was approaching, went out to meet Him and calls out how Lazarus would not have died if Jesus were present. Over a few shared words, Jesus reveals that He is the resurrection and the life.

Responding to the question as to whether or not she believes this, she confesses He is the Christ, the Son of God, and affirms what Jesus has said. So they go into mission time.

Martha goes back in and secretly calls Mary out telling her that Jesus is waiting for her. She quickly rose and went to Him. The Jews who were with her took note of her rising quickly and followed her out believing that she would be going to the tomb to weep. Remember that their purpose there is to comfort her of her grieving.

Jesus remained where He met Martha and it was there that Mary met Him. She fell at His feet and called out to Jesus that if He had been there Lazarus would not have died. Jesus saw her weeping and the Jews with her doing the same. He groaned in His spirit and was troubled. He asked where they laid Him and they brought Him there. And Jesus wept (you bet we will be talking about that).

Some recognized the love of Jesus for Lazarus. But almost by nature, some of those present take the opportunity in the midst of this tragedy to ridicule Jesus for not having kept the man from dying. Jesus, groaned within Himself as He came to the tomb. He calls for the stone to be removed from it. There is some objection but it does not last long. The stone is removed, Jesus prays to the Father, and Jesus called Lazarus out of the tomb.

44 And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth.
-John 11:44a

When Lazarus comes out, Jesus instructs the others to loose him from the bonds and let him go.

What observations are you making in this passage?